Rodeo

Hayes falls just short of reaching finals in Wyoming

Casper, WY-From Elkhart, KS all the way to the big show. Sophomore Tanner Hayes did not disappoint during his stint at the National College Finals Rodeo.

Hayes placed 17th in saddle bronc riding after being bucked off his horse for the second time in three tries on Thursday.

"I had a really good horse," Hayes explained. "But he was a little wild, and that proved to be the difference."

Hayes was bucked off his horse on Sunday before following that up with a score of 69 on Tuesday. But in order to make Saturday's final round, he needed a good ride on Thursday. Unfortunately the horse proved a bit too tricky.

"It was a great experience," Hayes said. "I learned a lot, and I thought the entire process was great."

However, Hayes did not come home empty handed. The Elkhart native was the recipienct of the Nothing But Try Shane Drury Scholarship award. He is set to attend Oklahoma Panhandle State next year.